30 big goals for my 30th year on the planet

Tag Archives: price is right

Ok, so by now most of you have witnessed me making an absolute goose of myself on national television. I ummed and ahhed about posting the video to the blog but then I thought, “If a tree embarrasses itself in a forest and no one is there to see it… that’s kind of boring”.

So, for those yet to witness as I tick off list item number 19, ‘Compete on a Game Show’, please allow me to enlighten you… Read the rest of this entry →

If 40 is the new 30 then I’m clearly in the midst of a midlife crisis of epic proportions. What other excuse is there for me jigging work on a Wednesday, glamming up as if on some sort of hyper-coloured Hens’ Night, and then heading out in broad daylight (tiara and all) to a taping of ‘The Price is Right’?

Sure, the lure of cash and prizes has a certain appeal but, as another daytime TV great would put it, “This ‘aint my first rodeo”. Just a month ago I did a very similar thing (minus the tiara) with my younger brother, sister and fiancé (still love using that word!) and we won nada, zippo, ZILCH! What reason did I have to think this time would be any different?

Well (in answer to my own rhetorical question), I had one very important reason for thinking this time would be different:

I had insider knowledge.

Insider knowledge that secured me a place on this iconic game show, and insider knowledge that I am more than happy to share with all of you!

Oh yes ladies, I touched Larry Emdur. Please form an orderly queue and wait patiently as I explain how you too can experience this once-in-a-lifetime high.

I, like many people, grew up watching TV. It always seemed like such a magical place, this TV Land. I mean, when you’re a kid, even the smallest of special effects left you gobsmacked.

How did they make that happen?

Where did that person go?

Why is everyone so beautiful?

TV Land was always fun to watch, but I could never be part of that, surely? Is that place even real? I mean, look at the “reality” shows that are on now. You’ve got cooking contests, singing contests, miscellaneous talent contests, people stuck on an island voting each other off, and people running around the World completing various challenges. Would you call this reality?

No, neither would I.

This is why I set Amanda the challenge of “competing on a game show”. She’d get to be a part of magical TV Land and possibly walk away with some cool prizes (that she’d share with me, right?)

My younger brother and sister, and Andy and I, will all be hightailing it to Channel 7 studios on Tuesday to sit in the largely middle-aged audience of The Price is Right (list item number 19).

I have previously mentioned how I believe I will need to do something at least slightly drastic to ensure selection as a contestant. Silly me thought a t-shirt printed with “I heart Larry” would suffice. Oh no. These people have upped the bogan ante.

This is the kind of thing I will be competing with:

“These boots were made for huggin'”

I’m a Westie from way back and an Inner Westie even now. I need to channel my inner bogan if I am going to survive the fierce competition to make it on TV.

Over on ‘Deal or No Deal’, even a young woman’s partially shaved head with the word “$DEAL!$” stamped into the side did not ensure selection. I’m in over my (unshaven) head!

I still have a couple of days left before the big day. Quick! What do you think I need to do to get their attention on Tuesday?l

The lovely Claire is responsible for list item number 19: ‘Compete on a Game Show’. Awesome!

It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve come close a couple of times too. I’ve receieved call-backs for ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ and ‘My Kitchen Rules’ (which isn’t exactly a game show but close enough). I’ve also sat in the audience and watched my friend Juliette win something like a pen and a boardgame on ‘Wheel of Fortune’!

So close and yet so far.

Unfortunately, when I receieved the call-back for Millionaire I was young and naïve. I remember just one of the questions very well… “What are the “Elgin Marbles“? At the time I had no idea, and thought they were perhaps some rock formation in Central Australia. Approximately one year later I saw them for myself in Athens, Greece. Well, I saw what was left of them anyway. I was simply too young, with far too little life experience to stand a chance.

But, hey! It’s a decade later and I’m practically 30 now! I’ve even managed to win a few bottles of wine and a six pack of Passionfruit UDLs at the local trivia night. Sure, those were for coming second last… but let’s not quibble over minor details!

In a flurry of activity, I applied for ‘The Price is Right’ and ‘Deal or No Deal’ mere moments after my sister set the challenge. My “25 words or less” included some desperate desire to hug Larry Emdur (I figure they’ll eat that up with a spoon). I have already committed to wearing something ridiculous if I make it to the audience… An “I ♥ Larry” shirt perhaps?

As for Deal, I will happily fork out for the airfare to Melbourne if I make it through. Maybe Andrew O’Keefe (AKA AOK) will remember me from that time Juliette, Anita and I applauded generously during his flopped TV pilot that never made it to air? (refer pic).

So far, no call-back 😦

My grandad, Ken Eccleston, made a name for himself as Australia’s first ‘Mr Pick-a-Box’ in the late 1950s. Among his many prizes were a diamond ring and a car. With his winnings he managed to practically furnish their entire house at a time when, with two young daughters (including my Mum), they desperately needed it. Since then, his sons (my uncles) have competed with varying levels of success on shows like Jeopardy and Millionaire. Surely our TV screens are due another Eccleston descendant?!

So, with that, I offered up the following “25 words or less”:

“My grandad, Ken Eccleston, was Australia’s first ‘Mr Pick-a-Box’ on the famous 1950s Bob Dyer show. I plan to carry on the family legacy!”

I am lucky enough to have a job that would give me the flexibility to attend an audition should I receive a call-back (right, Dad?) All that’s left is to wait impatiently by the phone.

Wish me luck!

Care to test my pop quiz skills? Hit me up with a question in the comments and I promise not to google it!